APRIL 2026 ISSUE 1,018
CHEMICAL AND PROCESS ENGINEERING NEWS AND VIEWS, BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE INSTITUTION OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERS
PROCESS
CONTROL
SPECIAL
PLUS DEVELOPING LEADERSHIP SKILLS / SAF FROM SEWAGE / BALANCING INNOVATION AND RISK
, NOW AVAILABLE
PROFINET over Ethernet-APL
The only SIL certified Coriolis mass
flowmeters on the market
®
allowing Bluetooth communication
OPTIMASS with sensors and electronics MFC 400 for Safety Instrumented Systems
• Using the new OPTICHECK Flow Mobile app on mobile devices or FDT/DTM on laptops commissioning,
parameterisation, verification, performance monitoring and application parameters can be managed
on-site via a secure Bluetooth® connection (<20 m/65.6 ft) – ideal for inaccessible areas or EX Zone 1
• When in SIL mode, the meter allows reading of all parameters and running diagnostic functions,
when in NON-SIL mode, all OPTICHECK Flow Mobileobile app functions are enabled
• Find out more: krohne.link/optimass-uk
Visit KROHNE at CHEMUK!
20th to 21st May 2026, Birmingham, NEC, Hall 5 / Stand G72
krohne.link/chemuk-2026
products solutions services
, The Chemical Engineer
Editor’s comment
Process Control:
Engineering’s Cinderella
MYKE KING
I
N SOMEWHAT of a surprise to me, I’ve been asked to technology from deliver-
guest-edit this issue. It features the last in my 31-part ing value.
series describing how simple control schemes can be Chemical engineers
implemented to substantially improve process perfor- readily still choose to
mance. The concluding piece, more lengthy than usual, specialise in the design
describes problems that frequently arise if an experienced and operation of process
control engineer is not included in the process design team. equipment such as fired
Process control has long been the Cinderella of chemical engi- heaters and distilla-
neering. Engineering contractors and plant owners struggle with tion columns. These
where to place the discipline: process design, instrumentation, IT have been around
or elsewhere. In those organisations that recognise it as a core for much longer and
chemical engineering function it is far more successful. continue to receive the
Many plant managers undervalue improved control. While they level of attention necessary. Why
Wh should
h ld process control
t l be
b so
will spend heavily to fix essential equipment, enhanced process under-exploited?
control often delivers double the productivity improvement at a This issue, written by engineers passionate about applying
fraction of the cost – yet rarely receives similar priority. control technology addresses many of these challenges, including:
Universities also perpetuate the problem. Control modules are
often seen as too theoretical and lecturers may have little practi- • how process control is taught and learned at university
cal experience. Students learn theory, not real-world application. • the importance of training engineers in industry
Industry has become obsessed with the latest digitalisation • securing management buy-in to sustain benefits
technologies, despite improved process control having a much • implementing simple, high-return technologies
more reliable payback. In 2011, 90% of the papers at IChemE’s • understanding the impact of AI
Advances in Process Control conference covered closed-loop
control. By the latest conference, only 10% did, with nearly 70% I hope you find what they have written both informative and
focused on AI or digital twins. inspirational.
Process control is not new. Analog controllers appeared in the
1930s, digital control in the 1960s and advanced process control
in the 1980s. Yet basic flows, pressures and temperatures still Myke King CEng FIChemE is director of Whitehouse Consulting, an
often fail to be controlled correctly – limiting any higher-level independent advisor covering all aspects of process control
APRIL 2026 | The Chemical Engineer | PAGE 3
, The Chemical Engineer
EDITORIAL
Editor: Paul Okey
;
Contents
+44 (0)20 7880 7637
Staff reporter: Aniqah Majid
;
+44 (0)20 7880 7639
Staff reporter: Sam Baker
;
+44 (0)20 7880 7638
www.thechemicalengineer.com
PRODUCTION
Rachel Young
6 8
ADVERTISING SALES
Display:
+44 (0)20 7880 7551
Events:
+44 (0)20 7880 7552
Recruitment:
+44 (0)20 7880 7553
MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTIONS
Visit www.thechemicalengineer.com/
register to view options to subscribe
ICHEME MEMBERSHIP ENQUIRIES
Membership department:
;
www.icheme.org, +44 (0)1788 578214
NEWS
Statements and opinions expressed in The 26
Chemical Engineer are the responsibility of the
editor. Unless described as such, they do not
6 IN NUMBERS
represent the views or policies of the Institution
of Chemical Engineers. The editor and the 8 IN BRIEF
Institution do not accept liability for any incorrect
information written by the authors of articles.
All rights reserved. Multiple copying of 10 IN DEPTH
the contents of the publication without
permission is always illegal. USA authorisation
to photocopy items for internal or personal
14 ROUND-UP
use or the internal or personal use of specific
clients is granted by The Institution of
Chemical Engineers for libraries and other
18 ICHEME MATTERS
users registered with the Copyright Clearance
Center (CCC) Transactional Reporting Service
provided that the base fee of US$7.00 per
article is paid directly to CCC, 21 Congress FEATURES
Street, Salem, MA 01970, 0302 0797/98.
The Chemical Engineer (ISSN 0302-0797) 24 ICHEME MATTERS: 28 SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL
is published monthly (with combined
December/January, and July/August issues) LEADERSHIP CAPABILIT Y Sam Baker meets the man turning
by the Institution of Chemical Engineers, Andrea Hosey looks at what the sewage into SAF
Davis Building, 165–189 Railway Terrace,
Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 3HQ, UK. Institution is doing to help
members bridge the leadership gap 30 TEACHING PROCESS
IChemE is a registered charity in England &
Wales (214379), and a charity registered in CONTROL
Scotland (SC 039661) ISSN 0302-0797 25 ICHEME MATTERS: How the University of Southampton
Printed in the UK by William Gibbons VOCATIONAL ROUTES is embedding process control as a
© The Institution of Chemical Engineers 2026 How IChemE is opening up new core, industry-facing discipline
routes for technicians and operators
32 PROCESS CONTROL
26 ICHEME MATTERS: EDSUB EDUCATION
Exploring the Education Sub- Paul Oram examines the challenges
committee’s role in safeguarding of teaching process control for the
membership standards real world
APRIL 2026 | The Chemical Engineer | PAGE 4
CHEMICAL AND PROCESS ENGINEERING NEWS AND VIEWS, BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE INSTITUTION OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERS
PROCESS
CONTROL
SPECIAL
PLUS DEVELOPING LEADERSHIP SKILLS / SAF FROM SEWAGE / BALANCING INNOVATION AND RISK
, NOW AVAILABLE
PROFINET over Ethernet-APL
The only SIL certified Coriolis mass
flowmeters on the market
®
allowing Bluetooth communication
OPTIMASS with sensors and electronics MFC 400 for Safety Instrumented Systems
• Using the new OPTICHECK Flow Mobile app on mobile devices or FDT/DTM on laptops commissioning,
parameterisation, verification, performance monitoring and application parameters can be managed
on-site via a secure Bluetooth® connection (<20 m/65.6 ft) – ideal for inaccessible areas or EX Zone 1
• When in SIL mode, the meter allows reading of all parameters and running diagnostic functions,
when in NON-SIL mode, all OPTICHECK Flow Mobileobile app functions are enabled
• Find out more: krohne.link/optimass-uk
Visit KROHNE at CHEMUK!
20th to 21st May 2026, Birmingham, NEC, Hall 5 / Stand G72
krohne.link/chemuk-2026
products solutions services
, The Chemical Engineer
Editor’s comment
Process Control:
Engineering’s Cinderella
MYKE KING
I
N SOMEWHAT of a surprise to me, I’ve been asked to technology from deliver-
guest-edit this issue. It features the last in my 31-part ing value.
series describing how simple control schemes can be Chemical engineers
implemented to substantially improve process perfor- readily still choose to
mance. The concluding piece, more lengthy than usual, specialise in the design
describes problems that frequently arise if an experienced and operation of process
control engineer is not included in the process design team. equipment such as fired
Process control has long been the Cinderella of chemical engi- heaters and distilla-
neering. Engineering contractors and plant owners struggle with tion columns. These
where to place the discipline: process design, instrumentation, IT have been around
or elsewhere. In those organisations that recognise it as a core for much longer and
chemical engineering function it is far more successful. continue to receive the
Many plant managers undervalue improved control. While they level of attention necessary. Why
Wh should
h ld process control
t l be
b so
will spend heavily to fix essential equipment, enhanced process under-exploited?
control often delivers double the productivity improvement at a This issue, written by engineers passionate about applying
fraction of the cost – yet rarely receives similar priority. control technology addresses many of these challenges, including:
Universities also perpetuate the problem. Control modules are
often seen as too theoretical and lecturers may have little practi- • how process control is taught and learned at university
cal experience. Students learn theory, not real-world application. • the importance of training engineers in industry
Industry has become obsessed with the latest digitalisation • securing management buy-in to sustain benefits
technologies, despite improved process control having a much • implementing simple, high-return technologies
more reliable payback. In 2011, 90% of the papers at IChemE’s • understanding the impact of AI
Advances in Process Control conference covered closed-loop
control. By the latest conference, only 10% did, with nearly 70% I hope you find what they have written both informative and
focused on AI or digital twins. inspirational.
Process control is not new. Analog controllers appeared in the
1930s, digital control in the 1960s and advanced process control
in the 1980s. Yet basic flows, pressures and temperatures still Myke King CEng FIChemE is director of Whitehouse Consulting, an
often fail to be controlled correctly – limiting any higher-level independent advisor covering all aspects of process control
APRIL 2026 | The Chemical Engineer | PAGE 3
, The Chemical Engineer
EDITORIAL
Editor: Paul Okey
;
Contents
+44 (0)20 7880 7637
Staff reporter: Aniqah Majid
;
+44 (0)20 7880 7639
Staff reporter: Sam Baker
;
+44 (0)20 7880 7638
www.thechemicalengineer.com
PRODUCTION
Rachel Young
6 8
ADVERTISING SALES
Display:
+44 (0)20 7880 7551
Events:
+44 (0)20 7880 7552
Recruitment:
+44 (0)20 7880 7553
MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTIONS
Visit www.thechemicalengineer.com/
register to view options to subscribe
ICHEME MEMBERSHIP ENQUIRIES
Membership department:
;
www.icheme.org, +44 (0)1788 578214
NEWS
Statements and opinions expressed in The 26
Chemical Engineer are the responsibility of the
editor. Unless described as such, they do not
6 IN NUMBERS
represent the views or policies of the Institution
of Chemical Engineers. The editor and the 8 IN BRIEF
Institution do not accept liability for any incorrect
information written by the authors of articles.
All rights reserved. Multiple copying of 10 IN DEPTH
the contents of the publication without
permission is always illegal. USA authorisation
to photocopy items for internal or personal
14 ROUND-UP
use or the internal or personal use of specific
clients is granted by The Institution of
Chemical Engineers for libraries and other
18 ICHEME MATTERS
users registered with the Copyright Clearance
Center (CCC) Transactional Reporting Service
provided that the base fee of US$7.00 per
article is paid directly to CCC, 21 Congress FEATURES
Street, Salem, MA 01970, 0302 0797/98.
The Chemical Engineer (ISSN 0302-0797) 24 ICHEME MATTERS: 28 SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL
is published monthly (with combined
December/January, and July/August issues) LEADERSHIP CAPABILIT Y Sam Baker meets the man turning
by the Institution of Chemical Engineers, Andrea Hosey looks at what the sewage into SAF
Davis Building, 165–189 Railway Terrace,
Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 3HQ, UK. Institution is doing to help
members bridge the leadership gap 30 TEACHING PROCESS
IChemE is a registered charity in England &
Wales (214379), and a charity registered in CONTROL
Scotland (SC 039661) ISSN 0302-0797 25 ICHEME MATTERS: How the University of Southampton
Printed in the UK by William Gibbons VOCATIONAL ROUTES is embedding process control as a
© The Institution of Chemical Engineers 2026 How IChemE is opening up new core, industry-facing discipline
routes for technicians and operators
32 PROCESS CONTROL
26 ICHEME MATTERS: EDSUB EDUCATION
Exploring the Education Sub- Paul Oram examines the challenges
committee’s role in safeguarding of teaching process control for the
membership standards real world
APRIL 2026 | The Chemical Engineer | PAGE 4
